New Director of New Zealand Trade Office in Taiwan

Si’alei van Toor has been appointed director of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office (NZCIO) in Taipei, Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce announced today.

NZCIO is a subsidiary of the Wellington Chamber and promotes New Zealand’s economic and cultural interests in Taiwan.

Chamber Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley says Taiwan is New Zealand’s 10th biggest export market and is a significant source of investment, tourists and international students.

“Annual two-way trade with Taiwan currently stands at around NZ$1.66 billion, and the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce is keen to further strengthen economic links.

“Si’alei van Toor is well-positioned to pursue opportunities, given her trade experience and deep understanding of the region.

The agreement between New Zealand and the Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Cooperation (ANZTEC) came into force in December last year. ANZTEC will deliver the complete removal of tariffs on 99% of New Zealand’s current exports to Taiwan over four years, and 100% within 12 years.

“ANZTEC immediately generated nearly $40 million of tariff savings on current trade. Once fully implemented, tariff savings will reach an estimated $75.8 million each year.”

Si’alei van Toor, who studied Chinese in Taiwan, will join the staff of the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She has been posted twice to the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, most recently as Economic Counsellor. She will take up her position in the middle of the year, succeeding Stephen Payton.

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